In Celtic and Anglo-Scottish folklore, a redcap (also known as a powrie or dunter) is a malevolent, murderous goblin primarily found in the border regions between Scotland and England. These creatures are known for their bloodthirsty nature and are said to haunt ruined castles and towers, especially those that were the scenes of historical violence or tyranny.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: They are typically depicted as short, thickset old men with red eyes, long prominent teeth, and eagle-like talons on their fingers. They often wear heavy iron boots and carry a pikestaff in their left hand.
- The Red Cap: Their name derives from their practice of soaking their caps in the blood of their victims, giving them a crimson hue. Lore suggests that if the blood on their cap dries out, the redcap will die.
- Supernatural Speed: Despite their iron boots, they are supernaturally fast and said to be impossible for a mortal to outrun.
- Weaknesses: They are unaffected by human strength but can be driven away by holy items or words. Reciting scripture or brandishing a crucifix causes them to vanish in a flash of fire, leaving behind a single large tooth.
Notable Lore
- Robin Redcap: One of the most famous redcaps was said to be the "familiar" of the cruel Lord William de Soulis at Hermitage Castle. Legend says Robin aided Soulis in his dark deeds until the locals, following advice from the wizard Thomas the Rhymer, captured Soulis and boiled him to death at Ninestane Rig.
- Regional Variations: While most redcaps are malevolent, some local variants differ. In Perthshire's Grantully (Grandtully) Castle, a more benign version is said to live in a high room and bestow good fortune on those who see or hear him. In Cornwall, the term "red-caps" was sometimes used more generally for tramping fairies.
- Origins: Some folklorists suggest redcaps are the spirits of individuals sacrificed during the building of ancient fortifications, whose blood was used to "purify" the foundation stones.